Communication Flashcards
What do hand-offs afford?
1.The dissemination of information from one profession to another
2. An opportunity for the receiving professional to ask questions and identify concerns
3. Protects the patient from harm
4. Enables professionals to provide a high level of continuity of care
When are patients most susceptible to an adverse event?
During hand-offs / transitions during perioperative period
Why are hand-offs in the perioperative environment at enhanced risk for adverse patient events?
Common distractions –> patient volume in receiving unit, need for a “rapid & efficient” turnover rate, reduction of abrasion with surgeons
To reduce the danger of any impact to patient safety, what do organizations do regarding hand-offs?
Follow a standardized method for hand-off communication
SBAR
Hands off method that stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
SBAR - Situation
What is the problem with the patient
Ex: Demographics, problem, patient stability
SBAR - Background
Patient’s relevant clinical background
Ex: Patient presentation
SBAR - Assessment
Findings and analysis of possible options and considerations
Ex: Procedure specific assessment, vitals, labs, pain rating, sedation level, skin condition
SBAR - Recommendation
A discussion about what should happen next
Ex: Update plan of care, notify physician, medication adjustments
What is the optional second “R” in SBAR
Readback/ Repeat
Benefits of SBAR
- Allows nurses to spend less time writing which increases amount of time focused on patient care
- Reduces risk of adverse events
- Increases communication amongst nursing staff
Near Events
Errors in care that should never occur during a procedure due to catastrophic effects on patient safety & outcomes that event could have
Examples of Never Events
- Performing the wrong procedure on a patient
- Failing to consider patient allergies
- Development of pressure ulcers
- Any adverse outcomes
Costs associated with never events
time, labor, money
What is the purpose of the WHO’s surgical safety checklist?
Provides a standardized list of actions that should be done to keep surgical patients safe
What is the purpose of an intraoperative report?
Permanent part of the patient record that serves as a baseline of care coordination and communication
What are the primary benefits of perioperative checklists?
- Validates the execution of processes and procedures
- Essential pathways for communication among multiple disciplines
- Enables professionals to adhere to standards and identify trends that can impact care
What must be true about checklists to be effective?
Everyone must use them
Benefits associated with using standardized communication tool
Improved quality of care, improved patient outcomes, improved patient satisfaction
3 primary components of 1996 HIPAA
- Keep health records confidential & secure
- Allow individuals to conditionally keep employer sponsored health insurance for a certain period if they leave
- Standardize electronic processes relating to healthcare services
Goals of standardized communication tools
Reduces variability in communication, reduces incomplete/ partial communication, prevents irrelevant communication
Primary focus of CDC
Public health initiatives and best practices
A teaching hospital experienced 3 errors over 4 months that were caused directly by first year residents. The hospital reports these errors even though they are not required to. What legal act do these actions fall?
PSQIA
Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Act – allows organizations to self-report errors without being subject to HIPAA violations (all patient info is confidential)
When is the best time to raise concerns about a procedure that a patient has undergone?
Before, during, and after the procedure
